A lot of planning and preparation have been done to keep NEA District Fair traffic problems to a minimum this year, officials said Monday.

Jonesboro police have multiple officers on duty this week who will focus solely on keeping fair traffic flowing smoothly.

“We have officers that are going to be dedicated just to the entrance of the fair, trying to keep Highway 49 clear the best we can,” said Sergeant George Martin said.

Other officers will be assigned specifically to parking and the fair exits.

A large fair attendance is expected this week, which could heighten the risk for traffic flare-ups on Highway 49.

Martin urges drivers and fairgoers to slow down this week and to be patient.

“There’s going to be a lot of traffic. And, not just that, we have a lot of people that just stop on the side of the road that lets people off to walk, dropping them off to go to the fair, so we have a lot of pedestrian traffic," Martin said. "Just slow it down out here this week.”

Police urge drivers coming to the fair from the southbound side of Highway 49 to use the right-hand lane. If you're not going to the fair, please use the left-hand lane or "fast lane."

Martin also said, "If you are coming from Jonesboro, from the north, just remember that the line can be long in the turn lane. We just ask that you have patience and we will get you in as quickly as possible.”

Drivers are asked to pay close attention to signage in the parking lots, as far as exit and entering signs, which they say will help the flow of traffic.

Police anticipate the most traffic on Thursday night, which is armband night, and all-day Saturday.

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